Dougherty was born on February 3, 1880, inNew York City. He graduated fromColumbia University in 1901 with a degree in civil engineering.[2]
Dougherty briefly taught engineering at Columbia before joining theNew York Central System in 1902.[3] He served in a number of subordinate positions before becoming assistant engineer in 1904, and resident engineer the following year. He later rose through the ranks as district engineer, design engineer, assistant to the vice president and president, while also advising thePort Authority of New York and New Jersey on port development. He became vice president of the railroad company in 1930.[4][5] He worked on railroad as well as hydraulic projects. Among them were the rehabilitation of Manhattan's West Side to allow for the construction of war plants and later, the construction ofWest Side Highway.[1][6]
Dougherty was director from 1928 to 1930, and became president of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1948, the same year he retired from New York Central System.[4] He remained a consultant to the company and oversaw the construction of theGrand Central Terminus real estate in 1951 and worked as a private consultant, advising companies such as theLong Island Rail Road.[1]
